A team of researchers from the University of Bath and Goldsmith in association with the University of London has discovered that the technology used in Fitness Trackers can help thwart cyberattacks if engaged smartly.
Researchers say that a device developed by them using the tech behind the fitness trackers can signal changes made to passwords, files, and anti-virus software when plugged into a computer in a network. The alert will be made in the form of light, vibration, and sound.
Furthermore, the architected device is such that the in future it can be used to notify the system admins when an employee uses the company network to engage in activities like social media, shopping and dating services.
“As Humans are the weak link when it comes to cybersecurity, it is leaving us vulnerable to serious cyber threats”, says DR. Emily Collins, a research associate at the University of Bath’s School of Management.
Currently, a separate team of researchers is working on a sensor which could alert the admin when they stand up before their systems without locking the screen.
Dr. Collins expects that the research will provide innovative solutions to CIOs and CTOs who would like to improve their cybersecurity posture in their corporate environments.
For this, the team is reported to use ‘health psychology’ to pinpoint them on what motivates people to take action to protect their cybersecurity defense-line.
As a part of the National Cyber Security Program, funding is expected to reach the study from the Home Office as the program will be using ‘Adafruit’ Circuit Playgrounds.
